Posts

Meetup paleo meet up groups events conference-min

Paleo Meetup Groups – Have You Joined Yet?

7 Comments

Exciting news! There are now Paleo meetup groups in every state in Australia! Wherever you live, you can now meet up with local people who eat the same way as you do.

The meetup groups arrange local dinners, barbecues, picnics, talks – you can even suggest a meetup of your own to the group.

Meetups are a great way of meeting people and finding out about Paleo restaurants and suppliers in your area, so if you haven’t already – join your local Paleo Meetup!

There don’t seem to be any New Zealand Paleo meetup groups yet – why don’t you start one? If you're in the US, Canada or the UK there are lots of Paleo meetup groups, so find your nearest and join up – it's free!

Paleo Meetup Groups Events Australia

With the exception of Sydney, Perth and Melbourne most of these groups are very new – so spread the word and help to increase the membership! If you live in Darwin, Canberra or Hobart there is also the opportunity to become a co-organiser.

Here are the Australian Paleo Meetup groups

  • NSW/ Sydney
  • Victoria/ Melbourne
  • WA/ Perth
  • SA/ Adelaide
  • Queensland/ Brisbane
  • NT/ Darwin
  • ACT/ Canberra
  • Tasmania/ Hobart

So sign up (it's free) get involved!

Why Joining a Paleo Meetup Can Transform Your Health Journey

One of the hardest parts about adopting the Paleo lifestyle is doing it alone. When you're the only one in your household or social group who avoids grains, sugar, and processed food, it can feel isolating — especially when eating out or attending social gatherings. That’s why joining a local Paleo meetup group is such a game-changer. It provides a sense of community, accountability, and inspiration that makes long-term success far more achievable.

Whether you're new to Paleo or have been following it for years, connecting with like-minded people can lead to new friendships, recipe ideas, and even local supplier recommendations you may never have discovered otherwise. It also helps reaffirm your decision to live differently in a culture still so focused on convenience food and quick fixes.

What to Expect at a Paleo Meetup

Paleo meetups vary depending on the city and organiser, but most offer a casual, friendly environment where everyone shares an interest in real food and better health. You might attend a relaxed picnic in the park, a group meal at a local Paleo-friendly café, or a seminar hosted by a nutritionist or local wellness expert. Some groups even organise active meetups like hiking days, beach workouts, or farmers market tours.

Many events are family-friendly and open to people at all stages of the Paleo journey. Some are potlucks, where each attendee brings a Paleo dish to share. These are particularly great for discovering new recipes, learning how others meal prep, and seeing what works in real households across Australia.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Meetup Experience

Not sure what to expect or how to break the ice? Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your first meetup:

  • Bring a dish (if it’s a potluck): Choose a recipe that’s easy to transport, clearly Paleo, and that you’re confident in. Include a little info card with the ingredients to help others with food sensitivities.
  • Come with questions: People love sharing what’s worked for them — whether it’s a good butcher, a local kombucha maker, or tips for feeding kids Paleo lunches.
  • Don’t be afraid to talk about your journey: Everyone’s story is different, and sharing your own can inspire others and start meaningful conversations.
  • Follow up with new connections: If you meet someone you get along with, consider connecting outside the group to swap recipes or even start a regular catch-up.

Spotlight on Regional Meetup Opportunities

With meetups now active in every Australian state, there’s no excuse not to join. Here’s a closer look at what some of the newer or smaller cities have to offer:

Canberra

The ACT Paleo group has grown rapidly as more Canberrans look to escape highly processed diets. Expect a mix of government workers, families, and students coming together for whole-food brunches and wellness discussions. The region’s access to great produce and outdoor spaces also means hiking and picnic-style meetups are popular.

Hobart

Tasmania’s rich produce and strong farming community make it a perfect location for Paleo living. The Hobart group often shares resources for local grass-fed meats and seasonal vegetables, and they’re always on the lookout for new members to help build a thriving community of health-conscious locals.

Darwin

While Darwin’s Paleo group is still gaining traction, its climate lends itself beautifully to a fresh, tropical take on Paleo. Think seafood barbecues, local markets, and easy access to bush foods. Becoming a co-organiser here is a great opportunity to shape the direction of the group and help it flourish.

Looking for Support Beyond Meetups?

If your area doesn’t currently have frequent meetups or you’re looking to stay connected in between events, consider joining local Facebook groups or online communities. Many of the Meetup organisers also run Facebook pages or group chats where members share local deals, upcoming events, and recipe inspiration.

Some groups even organise group buys of hard-to-find Paleo products, bulk orders of pasture-raised meat, or workshops on things like fermented foods and bone broth. These extras can make your Paleo journey easier and more affordable.

Starting a Meetup in Your Area

If you live in a regional town or somewhere not yet active on Meetup.com, why not start your own group? It’s easier than you think and can start with something as simple as a coffee catch-up or a walk with another Paleo friend. Meetup.com and Facebook both offer free tools for creating and managing events. You could also post in larger online Paleo communities to find others nearby.

Once you start gathering interest, the events can grow naturally — from informal chats at local cafés to organised activities like cooking demos or shared Paleo feasts.

Final Thoughts

Community is a powerful tool for health and transformation. With Paleo meetup groups now across every state in Australia, there’s never been a better time to connect with others who understand your lifestyle and want to support your goals. Whether you’re looking to share tips, explore new restaurants, or simply meet like-minded people, a Paleo meetup is the perfect place to start.

Have you joined your local group yet? What has your experience been like? Share your stories and suggestions for future meetups in the comments below!

Have you been to a local Paleo meetup event yet?

Gluten Free in WA expo Coeliac western australia

Gluten Free in WA

Gluten Free seems to be becoming an increasingly popular way to eat – which can only be a great thing. Gluten appears to not be tolerated well by a significant number of people – far more than realise they have an issue with it.

A Paleo diet is gluten-free, so would seem to be the ideal solution for Coeliacs. I was disappointed by the complete lack of Paleo food at the Sydney Gluten-free expo – everything was processed and contained grains and legumes.

Another Gluten Free expo has been announced for 17th & 18th March 2012, in Perth, WA. Hopefully this one will be a bit more Paleo friendly?

Gluten-Free Expo in Western Australia promoting coeliac-friendly and Paleo options

Why Gluten-Free Doesn’t Always Mean Healthy

While gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in Australia and globally, the reality is that “gluten-free” does not automatically mean “healthy” – or even “Paleo-friendly.” Many processed gluten-free products on the market rely heavily on refined starches (like potato, corn, and rice flour), seed oils, gums, sugars, and preservatives. In other words, they’re still ultra-processed foods – just without the gluten.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions people make when they switch to a gluten-free lifestyle. They assume that swapping regular bread for gluten-free bread or eating gluten-free biscuits is automatically a health upgrade. But in most cases, these products are just as inflammatory and disruptive to your gut as the gluten-filled versions they’re replacing.

A true Paleo approach to gluten-free living focuses on real food: meats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and minimal natural sugars. No labels needed.

Paleo vs. Gluten-Free: What’s the Difference?

While there’s certainly some crossover between the gluten-free and Paleo communities, they are not the same thing.

  • Gluten-Free means avoiding the gluten protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. But it often still includes grains (like rice and corn), legumes, seed oils, dairy, and processed foods.
  • Paleo is about eliminating foods that weren’t available to our ancestors before agriculture – meaning no grains (gluten or otherwise), no legumes, no dairy, no refined seed oils, and no processed foods. Instead, the focus is on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory whole foods.

In short, Paleo is automatically gluten-free – but gluten-free is definitely not automatically Paleo.

Perth’s Growing Paleo Scene

While Sydney and Melbourne have traditionally led the way with Paleo meetups and events, Perth has seen increasing interest in ancestral health in recent years. A number of local health professionals, CrossFit boxes, and nutrition coaches are now recommending Paleo-style approaches for managing autoimmune issues, gut health problems, and metabolic conditions.

If you’re in Perth or regional WA and struggling to find like-minded people or quality Paleo food options, here are a few ideas:

  • Check Local Farmers Markets: Markets like Subiaco, Fremantle, and Stirling have fantastic seasonal produce and sometimes offer pasture-raised meats, organic eggs, and small-batch ferments and broths.
  • Join Paleo Facebook Groups or Meetups in WA: There are a growing number of WA-based groups sharing recipes, product finds, and restaurant recommendations.
  • Ask at CrossFit Gyms: Many CrossFit communities in WA support a Paleo-friendly ethos and may host local potlucks or educational seminars.
  • DIY Paleo Staples: Given the lack of Paleo products in many gluten-free expos and mainstream shops, the DIY route (like making your own bone broth, granola, or nut milk) is often the healthiest and most affordable option.

What to Look For at Gluten-Free Expos (Through a Paleo Lens)

While it’s easy to be disappointed by the wall-to-wall gluten-free muffins and crackers at expos, they can still offer some value if you know what to look for:

  • Check the Ingredients First: Always flip the product over and check the label. If you see sugar, rice flour, canola oil, corn syrup, or any kind of starch or gum – it’s probably not Paleo.
  • Look for Whole Food Vendors: Some expos include stalls selling grass-fed jerky, pasture-raised meat boxes, kombucha, sauerkraut, nut butters, and other Paleo-friendly goodies. These are the gems.
  • Talk to Local Producers: Many small WA-based food producers are experimenting with clean, whole food recipes. You might inspire them to release a Paleo version of a product if they hear there's demand.
  • Find Useful Tools: Some stalls sell gadgets for spiralising veggies, fermenting kits, or low-toxin cooking equipment – all of which can support a healthier, Paleo lifestyle at home.

What We’d Love to See at a Truly Paleo-Friendly Expo

If WA hosts another gluten-free expo in the future – or, even better, a Paleo-themed one – here’s what would make it truly worthwhile for those of us focused on real food:

  • Bone broth tastings and vendors offering local, grass-fed options
  • Fermented food stalls with small-batch kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kefir water
  • Cooking demos featuring real Paleo meals (not just “treats”)
  • Talks by holistic health practitioners, including naturopaths and nutritionists familiar with ancestral eating
  • Vendors of grass-fed meat, wild-caught seafood, and organic produce
  • Workshops on food prepping, freezing, fermenting, and batch cooking Paleo meals
  • Talks on how to raise Paleo kids, how to manage autoimmune conditions through diet, or how to transition from gluten-free to Paleo

Paleo & Coeliac Disease: A Natural Fit?

It’s surprising more people with coeliac disease don’t embrace Paleo. After all, a strict Paleo diet excludes every single source of gluten and is often cleaner and safer than a standard gluten-free diet that relies on processed packaged foods.

By focusing on real food, those with coeliac can also support gut repair and overall health – two key issues with long-term gluten exposure.

In fact, several studies now suggest that diets like Paleo may help address leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies, and systemic inflammation, all common complications of coeliac disease. But as always, anyone with coeliac should work closely with their healthcare provider to ensure any new diet meets their unique needs.

Paleo Resources for WA Locals

If you're looking for more guidance or resources in Western Australia, try these:

  • Paleo Café Australia (Archive) – While most physical cafes have closed, their old recipe database and meal ideas remain a source of inspiration.
  • The Paleo Way with Pete Evans – His programme (controversial though it became) raised awareness of Paleo across Australia and helped many take the leap to ditch grains and processed foods.
  • The Paleo Network (that’s us!) – We’re working to compile more local directories, product reviews, and guides for each Australian state, so stay tuned.
  • Australian Paleo Podcasts – Search Spotify or Apple Podcasts for Aussie hosts sharing local success stories, interviews with practitioners, and event updates.

Final Words

While gluten-free eating has gained traction in WA, the Paleo movement offers a broader, more nutrient-dense way to approach health. If you're tired of cardboard crackers and faux bread made from unpronounceable ingredients, you're not alone.

By returning to whole foods and ancestral wisdom, you're not just going gluten-free – you're going food-first.

Have you found any truly Paleo-friendly products or businesses in WA? Been to a recent health expo and found something great? Share your tips, discoveries or frustrations in the comments below – and let’s help each other navigate beyond the gluten-free label.